The Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association, the only TUC-affiliated professional association for hospital doctors and trainees, has announced that from today it will waive 2014-15 joining fees to all new applicants amid a surge in interest from prospective members this week.

The announcement means that anyone applying to join from today will receive free membership for the remainder of the current 2014-15 subscription year (until October 1 2015).

HCSA general secretary Eddie Saville said: “I'm sure many doctors will have read the Guardian article about officer remuneration at the BMA. “I do not want to comment on their internal affairs. What I do want to say is that doctors in the NHS have for many years faced an increasing workload, intense pressure and stagnant pay.“As a consequence last year and earlier this year our members voted for and took industrial action in conjunction with other NHS unions and professional associations to seek a better deal for all NHS staff. We listened to our members. “Hospital doctors all over the UK have joined HCSA because they understand the importance of being part of an organisation that is serious about fighting their corner individually and collectively.” Mr Saville advised: “Every hospital doctor should be protected at work by a strong and dedicated union that offers its members that personal touch, and that is what we do. So, to respond to those currently considering their options we are keen to offer free membership for a limited period so that hospital doctors have union support and backing.” He added that prospective members can rest assured that all their dues will be channelled towards support in the workplace as well as campaign work on behalf of the profession, patients and the wider NHS.

To take advantage of the free 2014-15 membership offer ring the HCSA's Overton office on 01256 771777.